College News

Opening Convocation Marks New Academic Year and New President at Catawba

Catawba College's opening convocation held Thursday, August 29 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel marked the start of a new academic year, Catawba's 157th, and a new president, Catawba's 21st. President Dr. W. Craig Turner convened the college and officiated as employees of the College were recognized for their years of service.

Catawba College Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tom Smith, brought greetings on behalf of the trustees. He also gave notice to those gathered that this convocation marked his last as chairman of the board. He said he was stepping down after 10 years of service in that position and would be replaced as chairman at the Board's October meeting by current Board of Trustees Vice Chairman, Paul Fisher.

Turner encouraged faculty, staff and students to consider five or six key ideas as the College entered a new academic year. First among these ideas was to "be positive." "Negativism," he said, "is the most debilitating element in the workplace today. Don't say, 'Why?' when you can just as easily say, 'Why Not?' Don't say, 'I don't know,' but rather, 'I'll find out.' Don't say, 'It's too difficult,' but rather, 'I'll give it my best shot.' "

"A positive attitude is sort of like changing a diaper," Turner joked. "It doesn't necessarily solve any long-term problems, but it certainly makes life more tolerable."

He encouraged community members to "be responsible," regardless of "how small the task may be," and to be sensitive to opportunity. "Change is the one constant in our world," he noted. Being a leader, a person of vision and a person of faith were also ideas he asked his audience to ponder.

FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNIZED

20 Years of ServiceDr. James Beard, professor of chemistry; Dr. Carl Girelli, vice president of student academic development and professor of English; Ms. Delores Imblum, administrative assistant for the School of Sciences; Dr. Renee McCachren, chair and professor of music; and Ms. Marsha Safrit, associate registrar.

15 Years of ServiceMr. James Baker, Jr., head coach of men's basketball and instructor of physical education; Dr. John Wear, Jr., director of the Center for the Environment and the environmental science program; Dr. J. Michael Wilson, chair of modern foreign languages department; and Ms. Jean Wurtser, library technical associate.

The Length of Service Recognition Program is a project of the College's Staff Personnel Committee, now the Staff Council. Employees are recognized for their service to the College at five-year increments from their hire date.